Kerikeri mass head shave returns to raise funds for Bald Angels kai boxes

The Bald Angels is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of their world-record breaking head shave event – with another head shave. Photo / Jess Burges

Ten years ago, a Far North charity smashed the world record for the most heads shaved in an hour in a fundraiser for disadvantaged Northland kids.

To celebrate, the Bald Angels Charitable Trust is hosting another mass head shave event at the Turner Centre in Kerikeri on November 22, following the Kerikeri Half Marathon.

Bald Angels founder Therese Wickbom said this year’s Shave 4 Kids Anniversary Challenge will recognise the “angels” who helped set the Guinness World Record which saw 462 people have their heads shaved in 60 minutes in 2015.

Importantly, all proceeds raised from this event will help fill Kai Boxes filled with meat, fresh vegetables and groceries to help take the pressure off whānau this Christmas.

All they need is some residents willing to part with their hair – and a few more hairdressers.

“It was 10 years ago this community came together out of pure goodness and fun, and we raised $62,000,” Wickbom said.

“Times are tough, we don’t expect to raise that much this time.

“We know it’s challenging for everyone, but for those we’re helping, the really vulnerable, it’s super challenging.”

The first Bald Angels head shave was in 2012, which raised money for children in the care of Hospice Mid Northland.

That was followed by the world-record-breaking shave in 2015, where 462 people lost their locks to a team of 10 hair-clipper-wielding hairdressers.

Bald Angels founder Therese Wickbom at the first head shave event in 2012.

Those who went bald for the cause included former Tai Tokerau MP Kelvin Davis, former deputy mayor Tania McInnes, Rugby Sevens legend Eric Rush, police officers, doctors, teenagers and toddlers.

While the upcoming head shave won’t be an attempt at another Guinness World Record, Wickbom hopes to break their current record.

“We’re not going for another Guinness World Record because of the expense and time involved.

“It took us two years last time to get the record recognised.

“We own the world record and if we can break it again, we’ll still own it.”

Wickbom said the charity’s kaupapa was about helping vulnerable and disadvantaged children to thrive, including those living in poverty, or with a disability or illness.

Christmas was a stressful time for some whānau, who struggled to meet the demands of the festive season, and took out loans for food and gifts, she said.

The Bald Angels are aiming to fill 1200 kai boxes to help 400 families this year.

They will be packed on December 9 and 10 and the Bald Angels’ partners – including police, Plunket, Womens Refuge, iwi organisations, and health and education providers – will pick up the boxes and distribute them to families in need.

Already more than $4400 has been raised toward the $50,000 target.

Those not wanting to get their head shaved can sponsor someone who is, or donate to the worthy cause, Wickbom said.

The event is free and runs from 2pm-5pm.

To register for the head shave, or to sponsor someone or donate, visit www.baldangels.org.nz or phone 021 029 01929.

Jenny Ling is a senior journalist at the Northern Advocate. She has a special interest in covering human interest stories, along with finance, roading, and social issues.